PM Modi’s Siliguri visit signals rising BJP momentum in West Bengal, as grassroots workers highlight public support for development politics while intensifying criticism of the Trinamool Congress government ahead of upcoming political battles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the political mood in West Bengal is “clearly favouring the BJP” after holding extensive interactions with party workers during his recent visit to Siliguri, a strategic city in North Bengal.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came after a day-long visit to Siliguri on Sunday, where he addressed a massive public rally and later met with grassroots-level Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers. According to Modi, these interactions provided a deeper understanding of the public sentiment in the state, which he believes is increasingly aligning with the BJP’s development-focused agenda.
Taking to the social media platform X, Modi expressed appreciation for party workers, stating that engaging with dedicated BJP karyakartas is always a rewarding experience. He praised their relentless grassroots efforts, describing them as “truly inspiring” and essential to strengthening the party’s presence across the region.
During the interaction, BJP workers reportedly shared concerns about the challenges faced by ordinary citizens under the governance of the Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Prime Minister said these conversations reinforced his belief that people in West Bengal are increasingly looking towards the BJP for governance and development.
“Party workers told me about the ordeal of common people and how they are connecting with the BJP’s development agenda,” Modi noted. He added that such direct feedback from the ground strengthens the party’s resolve and confirms a visible political shift in the state.
Earlier in the day, Modi shared visuals from his rally in Siliguri, capturing the enthusiasm of thousands of supporters. The footage showed large crowds chanting slogans, waving BJP flags, and expressing excitement at seeing the Prime Minister in person. Modi himself appeared visibly pleased, recording the moment on his phone and acknowledging the crowd with smiles and waves.
Posting the video on Instagram, Modi highlighted the overwhelming response, suggesting that the energy in Siliguri reflects a broader political transformation underway in West Bengal. He emphasized that the BJP is gaining widespread acceptance among voters who are seeking change and development-oriented governance.
The rally witnessed a significant turnout, with attendees holding the national flag, party banners, and portraits of the Prime Minister. The atmosphere was charged with slogans supporting Modi and the BJP, underlining the party’s growing influence in the region.
In his address, Modi launched a sharp critique of the Trinamool Congress government, accusing it of prioritizing appeasement politics over balanced regional development. He pointed to budgetary allocations as evidence, claiming that while substantial funds were directed toward specific sectors, regions like North Bengal have been largely neglected.
He specifically highlighted that the state government allocated Rs 6,000 crore for madrasa education, while development funding for North Bengal remained minimal. According to Modi, this imbalance demonstrates a governance approach focused on appeasement rather than inclusive growth.
The Prime Minister also referred to past incidents to question the state government’s priorities. He mentioned that during severe floods and landslides in North Bengal, the Chief Minister was engaged in festive events in Kolkata, suggesting a disconnect between the administration and the challenges faced by the region.
Further intensifying his criticism, Modi accused leaders of the Trinamool Congress of supporting divisive elements and obstructing central government initiatives. He alleged that the state administration has created hurdles in implementing key welfare schemes introduced by the Union government, thereby affecting the delivery of benefits to citizens.
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Siliguri, often referred to as the gateway to Northeast India, holds significant strategic and political importance. Modi’s focus on the region underscores the BJP’s intent to strengthen its foothold in North Bengal, which has emerged as a critical battleground in recent elections.
Political analysts view Modi’s visit and statements as part of a broader strategy to consolidate support in West Bengal ahead of future electoral contests. By directly engaging with party workers and highlighting governance issues, the BJP aims to project itself as a viable alternative to the ruling Trinamool Congress.
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As political activities intensify in the state, Modi’s assertion that the public mood is shifting in favour of the BJP is likely to set the tone for upcoming campaigns. Whether this perceived momentum translates into electoral success remains to be seen, but the developments in Siliguri indicate that West Bengal’s political landscape is entering a decisive phase.
